In the fashion industry, brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton pride themselves on creating designs that are full of bold colors and designs. Although glitz and glamour is often associated with luxury fashion, there are a few designers who believe in the saying ‘less is more.’ A minimalist approach to fashion is one of the most timeless trends in the fashion industry to date. Here are five luxury brands that we think are combining minimalism with fashion.
1. JILÂ SANDER
This iconic minimalist designer, famously known as the “Queen of Less,” originally designed clothing for the mature career woman, hence the presence of neutral colors and patterns in her designs. Ms. Sander’s designs are strongly influenced by Germany, her home country, combining sleek designs with elegance. Most recently, Ms Sander’s collections have started to broaden their audience to a younger demographic. The Jil Sander SS 19 collection consisted of streetwear designs that played with silhouettes and textures, but still staying to the minimalist roots.
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2. KHAITE
Although Khaite is a newly established luxury fashion brand, it has been making waves in the industry. Founded by designer Catherine Holstein in 2015, Khaite’s designs consist of ready-to-wear pieces that are a play on masculinity and femininity. With an Instagram account of over 77,000 followers, Khaite is creating a brand that is unmistakably theirs. Appealing to both an American and European young woman demographic, Khaite is showing that minimalism fashions transcends through cultures.
3. COMMEÂ DES GARCONSÂ
When it comes to minimalist fashion powerhouses, Comme des Garcons is at the top of most lists. Founded by Japanese designer, Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garcons designs consist of of neutral colors such as grey, black, white with a few pastel colors. In 2002, Comme des Garcons released its PLAY line, which showcased its now iconic image, the red heart with eyes. Comme des Garcons iconic symbol can now be seen on the famous Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, making this minimalist luxury fashion powerhouse a name in streetwear.
4. ARJE
Created by fashion power couple, Bessie Afnaim and Oliver Corral, Arje is a true representation of where of the fashion industry is headed. Arje was created because the couple believed that luxury fashion was no longer seen as practical in everyday life. Arje’s collections are released as chapters, with each chapter connected in some way, telling a larger story through each collection. From Chapter 1’s streetwear inspired looks to Chapter 4’s Spring 2018 collection, Arje shows that a wardrobe is incomplete without these essentials.
5. ISSEYÂ MIYAKE
In the 1980s, Issey Miyake was known as one of the top minimalist fashion designers alongside Rei Kawakubo. Mr. Miyake’s designs redefined gender norms through oversized silhouettes and asymmetrical cuts. Famously known for the ‘pleating’ technique that can be seen in many of his namesake collections, the Issey Miyake brand is still known for designs that push the luxury fashion industry into the future.
Many may consider minimalist fashion as ‘dull’ or ‘boring’, but these luxury-driven fashion brands are showing neutrals and simplicity can be just as fun, by innovating in construction. A minimalist approach to fashion is transcending generations and cultures, and these brands are leading the pack.
